It’s a great big world out there, and it’s there waiting to inspire and entertain your kids – which will make them healthier and happier. Studies have shown that time spent outside – in green spaces reduces stress, encourages cooperation and helps children focus on their school work and to think creatively. Of course, playing and running around outside also has health benefits, stronger muscles and bones, improved immunity and better eyesight.
Unfortunately, as parents getting kids outside -even getting the whole family outside is easier said than done, with school and work and the lure of technology it’s challenging.
Getting the family outside doesn’t have to be a chore, and in fact you can make getting outside not only interesting but a game as well. Children will love exploring so why not set up a nature trail in your own backyard, or a park nearby. Have your kids sketch out a simple map of the things they see, different plants, a unique tree, rocks, water, what birds they may have seen in the sky. Take the time to tell them about the trees, plants, birds they see, they will be learning and having fun at the same time.
If you have a few children, or your kids have lots of friends, and your home seems to be the *hang out* – why not turn your backyard into a *fun zone*. When kids are left to play on their own – no technology involved – they will figure out their own rules and solve their own disputes while they are learning about leadership and learning valuable social skills.
Encourage a range of activities, offer a nice place to relax with some comfortable seating or a blanket on the grass with some soft cushions, if you have a flat/paved surface that’s perfect for skateboards, bikes, scooters etc. Don’t forget a basketball hoop and if you have a nice lawn, it could become a cool soccer field, football oval or even a cricket pitch.
An Adventure playset is perfect for the back yard, it encourages imagination, and lets boys and girls be their own train driver, the set has a naughts and crosses section, stairs, slippery dip, platform, and a section for play underneath the raised platform. You can add a range of fixed panels to the carriage section, which lets you customise the play area to your children’s wants and needs.
Alternately you can opt for a more *traditional* park play equipment the Capital Set is perfect for mixed ages and with aluminium posts the unit is durable and low maintenance. Kids can climb and slide, there is a rock climbing wall and plenty of ladders and climbing areas, as the kids grow, or their needs change you can add extra units turning your yard into a real jungle gym.
Store outside toys in the back yard. Dedicate a waterproof outdoor bin to supplies and fill it with anything and everything that will transform your yard into a playground, items can include bats and balls, Frisbee, bubble guns, jump ropes, hula hoops, footballs, soccer balls, nerf guns etc, anything and everything kids can play with outside. By filling a bin with a range of options they can have fun deciding what to do.
You can also set up an outdoors arts and craft area, perfect for the warmer months and girls will love it. Grab a kids plastic table and chairs, some tubs, a blackboard and chalk, carboard, glue, paints, glitter, paper, stickers. Again, store all the supplies in a plastic tub, kids can go out grab paint and paper, glues etc and have fun making their own projects, fresh air and imagination, what more could you ask for. The good news is you get to leave all the mess outside, you don’t have to worry about paint on carpets or glue on the floor.
In summer you could always consider a private area that can be turned into a fort using some sheets or blankets, alternatively a small tent, a tepee made of canvas and some poles, or even something as simple as a tarp tacked to a fence and held up at the front with two poles. Structures like this offer kids a little retreat all of their own, where they can read, play games, or just set their imagination on fire.
Getting your family outside isn’t hard at all, you just need to push for it, and make sure it happens on a regular basis, once it becomes habit, you won’t even have to ask the kids to go outside and play.
